12) Pimbo Garden Centre, Pimbo

Thank you very much for all your kind comments.  I understand that it's natural to want to know more about me and for me to be an inspiration to you.  But as I have said before, please do not attempt to copy my work, its dangerous.  Please focus your energies in more postive ways.

While I am enjoing my home made Victoria Sponge and tea from the  Pimbo Garden Centre - £2.50.  I know it's home made because she told me so.  And it tastes it too.  She says that she did not make it otherwise the Fire Service would have attended the scene.  There's nothing to read but the Lancashire Life.  Now I always think that this is a bit of an odd magazine. There's not that much life in Lancashire, surely that it needs a whole magazine.    Most of it is filled with adverts  for fabulous houses in Lancashire, obviously occupied by the sort of person who can afford cake in the Boatman's Brasserie.  But the other strange bit is the social pages where estate agents and other 'professionals' are photographed in the middle of some function or other.  There's even a picture of a group of toffs at a masquerade ball.  I mean, what sort of twerp would go around with a mask on.   Don't they know how ridiculous they look.

Anyway the cake is good and so is the tea. The place is bright and airy.  

You can't get here by bus so don't even bother. You can get the train to Pimbo, it's the line between Kirkby and Wigan.

8) Asda, Skelmersdale - "Oh My Darling."

I rode into Asda on the 311.  It arrived straight into the Asda Skelmersdale car park.   How convenient is that.  An excellent service with bus from Liverpool and Skelmersdale going via Ormskirk.  It’s time for another cake and cup of tea.  The sun is shining, it’s going to be a great day.  The thought of cake puts a spring into my step.  Nothing can stop me now.

In the cafeteria I am called “My darling” four times.   They must really like me. I must tell Mrs Ranger.  But its great they're so friendly. I order the Victoria Sponge and a cup of tea.  £2.25. 

The cake is pre-sliced and for a cup of tea I was given a cup and a teabag and pointed in the direction of the counter in the seating area.  There I had to figure out which machine dispenses the hot water and there was no milk in the flask.   It makes it so stressful.

This is not cake heaven and there is no chance of a relaxing time.  However, there has been a service improvement.  Last time I had sandwich cake in Asda from the café the wedge shaped slice was pre-wrapped in film packaging.  And although the pieces were laid out as though they all formed part of a single cake, I don’t think they had ever met each other before being put out on display.  It was like they were conjoined pieces of cake that had been separated at birth and then brought back for display purposes.  But this cake tastes nice.  I think the film may have been removed this morning.

Then Mrs R called.  Just as I was about to take a bite. I don’t know how she knows.    I told her I was on a mission in Asda, Skelmersdale.   Undercover I said.   And she gave me a list of things to buy.  I don’t think she takes my mission in West Lancs seriously.   Can you imagine

Lois Lane calling Superman to ask him to pick up a pint of milk on the way home just as he stops a speeding train.  Or Spiderman, while he is wrestling with the Green Goblin, being asked by Aunt May to get some bread from the Spar.  I have told her repeatedly that I am The Scone Ranger, and she just says, “Yes, of course you are dear- and don't forget the yoghurt."

2) Midstream Garden Centre and Cafe, Pimbo

Well, I hitched up the trusty steed and headed towards the Midstream Garden Centre.   There's no way you can get here without a car, unless you live nearby.  There are no buses or trains.    And its on an industrial estate.  However, it is still a good place.  I noticed it scored 5 stars in the Food Hygiene ratings.


The tea was £1.20 for a pot (not a cup) and the cake (also £1.20) was home made.  There was a choice between Lemon Drizzle and Victoria Sponge.  I went for the Victoria.  It reminded me of childhood Victoria Sponge, I never liked the cream in the middle,  and so I would only eat cake with just plain jam and this came just that way.  It was lovely and fresh.  A good choice.
 2 down, 178 to go.


Midstream

2 Penrose Place, West Pimbo, Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, WN8 9PR